Turkish-German ties ‘depend on anti-terror cooperation’

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - Turkey wants normalized relations with Germany and expects Berlin to show more solidarity with Ankara in the fight against terrorism, ambassador Ali Kemal Aydin said Monday.

"Despite all our differences and problems recently, it is our common hope to begin normalizing our relations through mutual steps,” Aydin said during a reception at the Turkish Embassy marking Turkey’s Republic Day.

He underlined that Ankara had clear expectations from Berlin in the fight against terrorist groups such as the PKK and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

“As we are now in a critically important period and fighting more than one terrorist organization, for us, the security of our country is above everything,” he said

“We expect from our friends to stand with us, show understanding and solidarity with Turkey. It wouldn’t be realistic to hope for progress in our relations without achieving cooperation in this area at a basic level,” he added.

Ties between Ankara and Berlin have been strained in recent months as Turkish leaders slammed Germany for turning a blind eye to the activities of outlawed groups and terrorist organizations which are hostile to Turkey.

German politicians on the other hand sharpened their criticism of Ankara ahead of general elections in Germany last month, raising concerns over human rights issues amid widespread investigations by Turkish authorities into the PKK and FETO.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen are accused of orchestrating the defeated coup of July 15, 2016.

Germany, which is home to 3 million Turkish immigrants, is among the countries where FETO has managed to organize a large network, including dozens of businesses, private schools and media organizations.

Since the foiled coup, dozens of former officials, including ex-soldiers, have come to Germany from neighboring countries or Turkey and applied for asylum

Apart from FETO, the PKK terrorist group also has a large network in Germany and carries out significant propaganda, recruitment and funding activities.

The group has nearly 14,000 followers in the country, according to the BfV, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency.